I really want to wear my Grandfather's Rolex but...

[Daytona88]

This Rolex was worn by my grandfather and passed down to my father. My father passed it down to me a several years ago. It is a beautiful rose gold but it is what we would now call a mid-size or boys size. Not sure of the exact case size, probably 32-34mm. That may have been the norm back in 1935 but the smallest that I currently wear is 40mm so this watch looks funny to me on my wrist.

The gold bracelet can easily be replaced with a nice leather or croc strap but I think it was a 16mm when I checked. I am hoping that if I can get a wider strap on this, I might enjoy wearing it. One jeweler suggested that I purchase a wider strap (i.e.. 18mm) and cut notches off the ends so the strap is wider but fits in the narrower lugs. He offered to cut a strap down for me but not sure how this will look. Has anyone tried this or perhaps know of any watch strap manufacturers that make this type of strap?

Sorry, this watch is a safe queen so I had to take a picture of my insurance photo.

[Easy Rhino]

Given the history, I would wear that watch. Carefully.

I don't consider that the size matters in this case. Anybody that criticizes it would probably be chagrined to find out its true story.

Love it, BTW.

[Patton250]

Wow. I would wear it exactly as it is unless you can't. Very cool story. I'd love to see some detailed pictures. Thanks.

[Daytona88]

Originally Posted by Patton250

Wow. I would wear it exactly as it is unless you can't. Very cool story. I'd love to see some detailed pictures. Thanks.

The bracelet was made especially for my grandfather so is not adjustable and does not fit me. I understand it is an old bubble back. I am not a vintage type of guy but this obviously holds some special sentimental value to me. It is in my safe deposit box so not here for additional pics but I will take some next time I am by the bank. It is in amazing condition given its age and i think it is all original except probably the bracelet.

[franklin]

I think it's beautiful.

[donaker]

I wonder if you could try it on a bund strap? This might give it the appearance of being larger.

See a few examples here: http://eatsleeplay.bigcartel.com/pro...atch-strap-019

[77T]

If you plan to pass it down again yourself, maybe a safe queen is the right thing for 90% of the year and bring it out for special holidays or family reunions the other 10%.

A nice crocodile strap may be best choice for such occasions. And it preserves the original bracelet.

[avirom]

alteration of a leather strap will not look good after a while, the edges where you cut to make the band fit into the lugs will fall apart rather quickly, esp if they get a little wet.

unless its stiched up properly it won't last.

[Daytona88]

Thanks to all for the input and suggestions

[R.W.T.]

17mm strap

Rolex Reference 3131 early 1940's most likely.

Men's watch full size for the era.

I would not recommend wearing that watch without servicing it.

The automatic mechanism is not jeweled from the factory. Dry steel pivots running in brass holes wear badly.

If you service it I would recommend fairly regular wear as they like to be worn. They behave very nicely if worn regularly.

Dial and hand set is original and is preserved well because of the lack of luminous material.

Case has seen a little polish...likely with a polish cloth. Fairly typical.

Watch is NOT shock resistant. Don't drop it on a hard surface...the balance staff will break.

It's a very cool watch. I have worn them daily for years. The trend is toward bigger watches...but even Rolex is now reducing the size of some of their recent oversized models. Things go through phases. This is a classic and rare piece. 14k or 18k?

[droptopman]

Beautiful vintage watch. You might want to try a custom strap maker. There a plenty of guys that do custom straps to order.

[Daytona88]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

17mm strap

Rolex Reference 3131 early 1940's most likely.

Men's watch full size for the era.

I would not recommend wearing that watch without servicing it.

The automatic mechanism is not jeweled from the factory. Dry steel pivots running in brass holes wear badly.

If you service it I would recommend fairly regular wear as they like to be worn. They behave very nicely if worn regularly.

Dial and hand set is original and is preserved well because of the lack of luminous material.

Case has seen a little polish...likely with a polish cloth. Fairly typical.

Watch is NOT shock resistant. Don't drop it on a hard surface...the balance staff will break.

It's a very cool watch. I have worn them daily for years. The trend is toward bigger watches...but even Rolex is now reducing the size of some of their recent oversized models. Things go through phases. This is a classic and rare piece. 14k or 18k?

Thanks for the great input and advice. Once I look back, I realize that I have had this watch for about 20 years. At one point, I wore it for a week or so and was surprised that it kept time +/- a minute/day. Good to know that I should service first, it if I decide to wear it at some time. I believe it is 18K. Will take some pics and post when I get to the box.

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Great watch to wear on special family occasions...I have both my Grandfathers watches, and I really enjoy wearing them during the holidays. It re-connects me with them. Enjoy it, you are lucky to posses it!

[tucsonrick]

I recently inherited my fathers 70 year old bubbleback, and had it serviced last month. I wear it almost daily now and the size works just fine. You would get used to the size in no time.
(By the way, I had it serviced by RWT who gave the good advice above but doesn't always mention that he is an excellent source for servicing bubblebacks.)

[timnik]

Originally Posted by Daytona88

This Rolex was worn by my grandfather and passed down to my father. My father passed it down to me a several years ago. It is a beautiful rose gold but it is what we would now call a mid-size or boys size. Not sure of the exact case size, probably 32-34mm. That may have been the norm back in 1935 but the smallest that I currently wear is 40mm so this watch looks funny to me on my wrist.

The gold bracelet can easily be replaced with a nice leather or croc strap but I think it was a 16mm when I checked. I am hoping that if I can get a wider strap on this, I might enjoy wearing it. One jeweler suggested that I purchase a wider strap (i.e.. 18mm) and cut notches off the ends so the strap is wider but fits in the narrower lugs. He offered to cut a strap down for me but not sure how this will look. Has anyone tried this or perhaps know of any watch strap manufacturers that make this type of strap?

Sorry, this watch is a safe queen so I had to take a picture of my insurance photo.

Get it worn and stop being such a fashion victim. Fads come and go. Trousers get straight and then flared and then straight again. Shirt collars get fat and then thin and hair gets long and then short again. Facial hair is in and then out and then in again! The same for watches. They're big at the moment! That may change.

Quality never goes out of style though.

[Pix]

The history of the piece is why I would wear it proudly. Get a nice custom leather and smile every time you strap that piece around your wrist.